Friday, March 26, 2010

Growing up in Kentucky as an athlete, i like thousands of others had dreams of playing for UK. Well ol Gary actually was recruited by Coach Rupp and his assistant Coach Joe B. Hall in 1965-66, during the time of much turmoil over the race issues and so forth. I was fortunate enough to be around Coach Rupp and his staff for practices and attended many games in Memorial Coliseum, where i got introduced under the big spotlight, along with other Kentucky recruits that year. It is hard to describe the feelings of being in front of a UK crowd in the spotlight. Sitting behind the bench with 'Rupp's runts' was something i will never forget. Although this ol hillbilly chose another route in college, i will always remember how nice Coach Rupp and his staff were to me and my father, during the visits. I know alot of people think Coach was a racist and so forth, but they will never make me believe it. Having personally been there i can say from the heart that Coach Rupp was a true, kind Appalachian, and possibly the greatest coach who ever lived. Thanks 'COACH' for all the wonderful memories you gave to alot of ol hillbillies just like me.